Book Review - A Vintage Summer by Cathy Bramley - Blog Tour

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: A Vintage Summer

Author: Cathy Bramley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld

Publication Date: 21st March 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

London has not been kind to Lottie Allbright. Realising it’s time to cut and run, she packs up and moves back home – but finds her family in disarray. In need of a new place to stay, Lottie takes up the offer of a live-in job managing a local vineyard. There’s a lot to learn – she didn’t even know grapes could grow so far north!

Butterworth Wines in the rolling Derbyshire hills has always been run on love and passion but a tragic death has left everyone at a loss. Widowed Betsy is trying to keep the place afloat but is harbouring a debilitating secret. Meanwhile her handsome but interfering grandson, Jensen, is trying to convince her to sell up and move into a home.

Lottie’s determined to save Butterworth Wines, but with all this and an unpredictable English summer to deal with, it’ll be a challenge.

And that’s before she discovers something that will turn her summer – and her world – upside down . . .

Because I love this author so much, I downloaded the book without reading the blurb, and then started reading it still without having a look at a blurb.  From the title I think I was expecting something perhaps featuring vintage clothes, and evidently I didn't look at the cover properly, or vineyards may have come to mind! 

We meet Lottie in London, as the groundskeeper of a crematorium and trying to desperately keep her boyfriend happy. I took an instant dislike to Harvey and it was well grounded, and  I cheered when Lottie made the decision to move back to Derbyshire to be closer to her family. 

Little did she realise at the time that it would be the best decision she ever makes and she ends up living and working at Butterworth Wines, and learning all about viticulture.   

It is once we are the the vineyards that the book really gets going, and I loved the wide variety of people who volunteered at this family business,. All of which I loved getting to know, especially Betsy and Majorie who are widowed ladies who are hoping to see the vineyard through one last summer and harvest. 

Betsy and Majorie are a real pair, so close to each other and listening to them bicker is always amusing. 

While Lottie is getting to know this new business, and the readers are learning all about the English Wine industry, we are also getting to know Jensen, Betsy's grandson.  And is he who will be so key to many of the outcomes of the book. 

I loved this look at an English vineyard, and it has all of Cathy Bramley's warmth, love, good feeling, excellent writing, easy to picture settings and people and just everything you want for a wonderful and charming book. 

In some respects I felt it was slow to get going properly, ie, to get to the key bits of the book, the moving to Derbyshire, but it was a highly engaging and enjoyable slow start, and it was all relevant and key information, that would help you empathise with Lottie later in the story. 

This is vintage Cathy Bramley through and through and I urge her fans, and those new to the author to give this a go if you want an incredibly enjoyable story and a lovely feeling at the end of it. 

Thank you to Transworld and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Please do take some time to follow along with all the other lovely bloggers taking part on this tour. 

Book Review - A Match Made in Devon by Cathy Bramley

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title:  A Match Made in Devon

Author: Cathy Bramley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital

Publication Date: 26th July 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Sometimes you have to play a part to realise who you really are…

Nina has always dreamed of being a star. Unfortunately her agent thinks she’s more girl-next-door than leading lady and her acting career isn't going quite as planned. Then, after a series of very public blunders and to escape a gathering storm of paparazzi, Nina is forced to flee from London.

Her plan is to lay low with a friend in Devon, in beautiful Brightside Cove. But soon Nina learns that more drama can be found in a small village than on a hectic television set.

And when a gorgeous man (and his adorable dog) catch her eye, it’s not long before London and showbiz start to lose their appeal. Will Nina choose to return to the bright lights or has she met her match in Brightside Cove?

Wow Cathy Bramley has done it again, this is simply superb, I loved every moment of it.  Originally published in four parts, I have read the combined version, but can safely say that each of these parts had distinct story elements and by the last one a significant amount of things happening in it. 

In terms of sheer light heartedness and fun Part 2: The Hen Party was my favourite section of the book, and the whole hen party really entertained me.  In terms of sheer wow and how on earth did that all fit into one section of a book then part four: The Leading Lady was a favourite as I was so impressed by the writings and plots in this section. 

As an overall book it works incredibly well and kept me hooked and interested at all times.  I was never really sure what Nina would end up deciding about her life and career and I was thoroughly enjoying finding out alongside  her. 

I fell in love with the location of Brightside Cove in Devon, which sounded like it really is the perfect retreat from the thrust of London living. Getting to know all the various people in the cove was enjoyable and watch out for Eliza and her Mermaid school, Mabel the loveable dog, Jethro the tourist hating shop keeper amongst others. 

The reason Nina disappeared to Devon in the first place is due to a hilarious incident  that happened to go viral and potentially threaten her career. The whole of the first quarter of the book is dealing with the aftermath of that and it was really enjoyable seeing how it would turn out. 

There are some truly memorable scenes including the the body painters, any scene involving the mermaids, and there is one rather emotional skype call that was rather eye opening and informative, and put into place a lot of answers to various questions about Nina and her brother Archie. 

A truly fabulous story that was a joy to read, and if you want to know who is the Match Made in Devon then you really need to read it for yourself! 

Thank you to Netgalley and Transworld Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Hetty's Farmhouse Bakery by Cathy Bramley

Amazon UK

Title: Hetty's Farmhouse Bakery

Author: Cathy Bramley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital 

Publication Date: 22nd March 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Thirty-two-year-old Hetty Greengrass is the star around which the rest of her family orbits. Marriage, motherhood and helping Dan run Sunnybank Farm have certainlykept her hands full for the last twelve years. But when her daughter Poppy has to choose her inspiration for a school project and picks her aunt, not her mum, Hetty is left full of self-doubt.

Hetty’s always been generous with her time and until now, her biggest talent – baking deliciously moreish shortcrust pastry pies – has been limited to charity work and the village fete. But taking part in a competition run by Cumbria’s Finest to find the very best produce from the region might be just the thing to make her daughter proud . . . and reclaim something for herself.

Except that life isn’t as simple as producing the perfect pie. Changing the status quo isn’t easy – and with cracks appearing in her marriage and shocking secrets coming to light, Hetty must decide where her priorities really lie . . .

I felt instantly at home reading this delightful new book by Cathy Bramley, it is a warm comforting sort of a book while at the same time inspirational that you can do more with your life, even in a small way that may make your loved ones immensely proud of you. 

Which is exactly what Hetty is trying to do, as her daughter Poppy looks up to her aunty Naomi but not her mum, so Hetty is determined to change that.  And it all comes down to pies, as that is what Hetty is good at, and the intention to try to start up a new farm to fork business. 

However not all of the family are in agreement and it does cause tensions with husband Dan, who relies on Hetty far too much for farmwork.   

There are some unexpected directions that this book goes in, which add to the readability and grippiness of the story. I loved the setting of Sunnybank Farm, and I was even happier to see spot one of Cathy Bramley's previous characters and her family making short cameos throughout the book which is a lovely gift for her fans, and if you haven't read the other book in question then it doesn't matter, as you may not even notice. 

If you like pies then you will definitely love this book, if you love strong women trying to change their life then this is the book for you, if you want a well written, thoroughly enjoyable story that features plenty of food, family and friendship then look no further - Hetty's Farmhouse Bakery has all of that and more. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Transworld for this coy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Lemon Tree Cafe by Cathy Bramley - - Blog Tour - #AroundTheUKIn144Books,#Derbyshire

Amazon UK

Title: The Lemon Tree Cafe

Author: Cathy Bramley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Corgi

Publication Date: 24th August 2017 

Rating: 5 Stars

When Rosie Featherstone finds herself unexpectedly jobless, the offer to help her beloved Italian grandmother out at the Lemon Tree Cafe – a little slice of Italy nestled in the rolling hills of Derbyshire – feels like the perfect way to keep busy.

Surrounded by the rich scent of espresso, delicious biscotti and juicy village gossip, Rosie soon finds herself falling for her new way of life. But she is haunted by a terrible secret, one that even the appearance of a handsome new face can't quite help her move on from. 

Then disaster looms and the cafe’s fortunes are threatened . . . and Rosie discovers that her nonna has been hiding a dark past of her own. With surprises, betrayal and more than one secret brewing, can she find a way to save the Lemon Tree Cafe and help both herself and Nonna achieve the happy endings they deserve?

The Lemon Tree is Cathy Bramley at her magnificent best. From the first page where I was gasping and giggling at what turned out to be a double entendre (and not the only one in the early chapters), to the drama of the entirety of part 3 - Tea and Sympathy, to the huge community minded village events, plus a popular returning character from the Plumberry School of Comfort Food book, and all manner of other goodies inside! 

When Rosie took a stand in her social media marketing job, she goes back home to her Nonna's cafe and offers to work for a month as a favour to her grandmother, and secretly to perhaps organise the place a bit better, while trying to get a new job. 

I loved The Lemon Tree Cafe with its two great waitresses and of course Rosie's Nonna, Maria. Maria is a remarkably private person and I never guessed exactly what she was hiding until it was revealed. Neither did I fully guess just why Rosie doesn't trust men, and it was surprises like these that made this book so gripping. 

From about the 50% mark onwards the book was impossible to put down, as I was already engrossed with the characters, and the story just seemed to ramp up as it progressed. I was loving the warmth and vitality that the author brings to her characters, and just stepping into this novel felt like a comforting hug. 

And of course you can't have a book review, about a book focusing on an Italian cafe, without mentioning food, it sounded delicious. As a word of warning if you are a huge fan of pizza you will love certain aspects of this book without a doubt, and may have your fingers itching to reach and call for your local delivery service! 

The pacing of this book was just right, and conveniently for the purpose of it having been released in four parts, there were little intrigue or mini cliffhangers as you came to the end of each part, which added to the grippiness of this book, as I could just continue turning the pages to see what would happen next. 

I absolutely adored every second of The Lemon Tree Cafe, from its moments to make you laugh, to the deep secrets that shocked me, and the overwhelming sense of family and community I felt from the book. This is an addictive book, that is quick to read and will leave you craving your next Cathy Bramley fix. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Transworld Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Please take a look at the blog tour for more The Lemon Tree Cafe goodness! 

Book Review - White Lies and Wishes by Cathy Bramley

Amazon UK

Title: White Lies and Wishes

Author: Cathy Bramley

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Publicist supplied review copy

Publisher: Corgi

Publication Date: 26th January 2017 

Rating: 4.5 Stars

What happens when what you wish for is only half the story...?

Flirtatious, straight-talking Jo Gold says she’s got no time for love; she’s determined to save her family’s failing footwear business. 

New mother Sarah Hudson has cut short her maternity leave to return to work. She says she’ll do whatever it takes to make partner at the accountancy firm. 

Bored, over-eating housewife Carrie Radley says she just wants to shift the pounds – she’d love to finally wear a bikini in public. 

The unlikely trio meet by chance one winter’s day, and in a moment of ‘Carpe Diem’ madness, embark on a mission to make their wishes come true by September. 

Easy. At least it would be, if they hadn’t been just the teensiest bit stingy with the truth…

With hidden issues, hidden talents, and hidden demons to overcome, new friends Jo, Carrie and Sarah must admit to what they really, really want, if they are ever to get their happy endings.

Three women meet for the first time, at the funeral of a mutual friend's husband, and very soon not only gel, but also decide that life is too short and they put together a wish list, which they will help each other with. This isn't like other bucket list books with loads of outlandish suggestions, all 3 of these wishes are certainly achievable by the women, but with a self imposed deadline of September that year, whether they will or not is another matter. 

So lets meet the stars of the book:

Jo Gold who runs a footwear business that is failing, and she is praying to be able to turn the business around before she needs to make long standing employees redundant. Her wish is to face her fear of heights. Jo is the sort of woman who isn't used to having female company so finds it hard sometimes that she is making new friends. 

Then there is Sarah Hudson, she has a young baby, but has already returned to work, leaving husband Dave as a house hubby. Her wish for their wishlist is to become a partner at the place she works, but as the story progresses I did have to wonder if that was the right thing for her. 

Finally there is Carrie Radley, who in some respects is a bit of an enigma. She is certainly overweight, and over eats. She appears to do not much with her days, and is married to a man, that no one can really get a read on to start with. It is clear she is unhappy, and her wish is to be able to wear a bikini in public. 

What none of the girls realise at the start, is they have all not been entirely truthful, and may just be hiding things, which is what I loved, as it meant there were plenty of surprises in the story, and kept my interest as I really wanted to get to know these three ladies, and just how their fortunes would change. 

I loved the shoe business that Jo runs, and some of the ideas for saving the company, reminded me a musical I saw a year or so ago, but they are also completely different, it was just a similar philosophy. Sarah's journey of trying to get back used to working while also loving being a parent, was enjoyable to see, and is one that a lot of parents will relate to. Equally Carrie's struggle to accept her own body is another storyline that many women will relate to. 

All of the characters have the sorts of qualities that you will recognise in people that you know, they are instantly human and likeable, and the sorts of women that you could imagine hanging around with yourself. The book as a whole is a pleasure to read, and as a fan of Cathy Bramley, it makes a change to read a story that hasn't been split into four parts. It is one complete story that flows incredibly well, and did I mention it has a gorgeous cover! 

Thank you so much to Becky Hunter at Transworld for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Merry Christmas! - Selection box of Festive Short Story Reviews

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas this year, and if you don't celebrate that you have an enjoyable day regardless.

I'm not really doing much for Christmas this year, so will probably be making in-roads into my TBR piles instead, while hopefully watching some festive films and listening to some Christmassy music!

As it's Christmas Day, I thought I would offer you today a selection box of short story reviews, so that if you do have any time to read today, you can see some of my recommendations, from short stories I have downloaded over the past few months.

Candlelight at Christmas by Katie Fforde - 5 Stars

Amazon UK

It seems to be practically an annual tradition now, that Katie Fforde will release a Christmas short story, and this year is of course no exception. In fact I think I loved this one more than some of the previous ones, purely because I recognised the setting and some of the characters instantly from Recipe for Love. 

There is a welcome return to Somerby, where Fenella and Rupert are having a massive friends and family Christmas celebration this year, complete with in-laws, assorted children, and couple of even more unexpected guests. 

As the amount of people having Christmas day grows, Fenella is getting a bit more stressed, so once Christmas Day finally arrives, the power cut doesn't help matters. 

I loved the solutions as to how they cope with no power over Christmas, and really enjoyed a snapshot look at how Zoe and Gideon were getting on with life, years after we first met them. There is also a very promising and tender romance, between two of the younger extra guests, which was very sweet to read. 

All in all a lovely short story that won't take too long to read, but will fill your heart with the joy of Christmas. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Cornerstone Digital for my copy of this story that I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Justice at Christmas by M. A. Comley - 5 Stars

Amazon UK

As a huge fan of the Justice series, I was delighted to spot this brand new short story, but when I read the blurb, I did wonder how I'd feel about reading a story set quite a bit before where the series currently is, while a certain character is still alive. 

My doubts were short lived as I got into the story very fast, and actually found it to quite a fun little thriller, as its not every day you read about a stampede of Santa's attempting armed robbery!

I loved the plan D.I. Lorne Simkins came up with to infiltrate the Santa's, as well as this reminder as to just how far she has come in the newer books. 

For a fan of the series this is definitely a great addition, and up to the usual standards. If you are only just discovering this series or author, then I think its a fun way to get a feel for the writing, and just what D.I. Lorne Simpkins is like. 

A hugely enjoyable short story, that took me very little time to read, as I was loving the action. 

A Fairytale Christmas by Melissa Hill - 4 Stars

Amazon UK

Delightful short story from Melissa Hill, featuring Christmas, New York and a gentle romance. 

Once I worked out who the characters were, I really enjoyed this story, especially the budding whirlwind romance between Mike and Penny.  I also loved seeing some of New York's landmarks at Christmas, as that always feels like a magical setting.

There is a story arc and there is a bit of depth to the characters, which can sometimes be missing from short stories, and it really is a short and sweet story that can be read in under and hour! 



A Cornish Christmas Carol by Liz Fenwick - 5 Stars

Amazon UK

Beautifully written re-telling of the Charles Dickens' classic story A Christmas Carol. Believe it or not until I read this version, I had never read any version of the story, despite having seen a lot of the film variants - in fact Muppet's Christmas Carol is my favourite Christmas film. 

In Liz Fenwick's story, we still have the three ghosts, and by the middle of the ghost of Christmas past, I was on the verge of crying. The writing just really got to me, and Abigail Scorrier is a woman who is need of this wake up call. 

I love that the Scrooge character is female, and she has had a lot varied Christmas's in the past, but a lot of bad things have occurred at this time of year. There is very good reasons why she has become the person she is but it isn't too late for her to right her wrongs.

I loved the comforting nature of a story that is familiar to me, but being told in a new way. The spirits appear while Abigail is on the sleeper train from London to Cornwall, and there is also a sub storyline that is quite interesting about Christmas carols in Cornwall. 

This is the perfect story for anyone wanting a new take on an old story this Christmas, from a talented writer. I loved reading every last word in this book.  

Comfort and Joy by Cathy Bramley  - 5 Stars

Amazon UK

If you are looking for a story that epitomises Christmas spirit, then look no further than Comfort and Joy, it is one of my favourite stories, and just shows how a community can come together even when things are looking bleak. 

This is a wonderfully festive sequel to what was a brilliant book, The Plumberry School of Comfort Food. Comfort and Joy can easily be read as a standalone story, but as someone who has read the original book, I can say it was brilliant as a short story extra. It gives you a sense of fulfillment as you see what the familiar characters are all up to this Christmas in Plumberry. 

If you like Christmas food, then you won't be disappointed, as there is a veritable treasure trove of a festive feast within these pages, between the Christmas classes being run at the cooking school on Christmas eve, to Christmas day itself. I especially liked the turkey called Kevin, and what happened to him! 

I truly believe that Comfort and Joy will bring you just that, when it is read, its a delightful short story featuring all the warmth and loveliness that Cathy Bramley is becoming very known for, in a bite sized package. 

If you have never read a book by Cathy Bramley, then Comfort and Joy is definitely a good taster for her easy to read writing style, as well as a heart warming story. 

Book Review - Wickham Hall by Cathy Bramley

Amazon UK

Title: Wickham Hall

Author: Cathy Bramley

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Review copy supplied by author

Publisher: Corgi

Publication Date: 14th January 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

Wickham Hall was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.

Holly Swift has just landed the job of her dreams: events co-ordinator at Wickham Hall, the beautiful manor home that sits proudly at the heart of the village where she grew up. Not only does she get to organise for a living and work in stunning surroundings, but it will also put a bit of distance between Holly and her problems at home.

As Holly falls in love with the busy world of Wickham Hall - from family weddings to summer festivals, firework displays and Christmas grottos - she also finds a place in her heart for her friendly (if unusual) colleagues.

But life isn’t as easily organised as an event at Wickham Hall (and even those have their complications…). Can Holly learn to let go and live in the moment? After all, that’s when the magic happens…

Every time I read a book by Cathy Bramley I am amazed, and with Wickham Hall I honestly think this is her best yet.  Due to it having started life as a four part serial, each part is a well put together novella, and the plot moves seamlessly from one part to another. With the mini cliff hangers at the ends of the first 3 parts, I was literally pausing for breathe, and moving straight onto the next section of the story. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. 

I read Wickham Hall in one sitting, and in some respects I am gutted that I did, as it meant I couldn't prolong the pleasure of reading this fantastic story. 

Cathy Bramley has once again put together a delightful cast of characters, and put them in a setting where I felt right at home instantly. And Ben, the heir to Wickham Hall is such a sweetheart, I would happily marry him if I could (and perhaps he was real!). 

Holly starts working in the events planning department of Wickham Hall, a manor house, that earns its keep by having all sorts of events open to the public throughout the year, from Summer Fairs, to fireworks nights, to Christmas, and all manner of other things in between. 

Holly has always felt she has had a connection with Wickham Hall, and she and her mum spent many a day visiting when Holly was younger. And now she discovers just why she the Hall has always had such a special place in their hearts.

I loved reading about the various staff members at Wickham Hall, including the chef Jenny (who I have a sneaking suspicion may be the star of the next set of stories by Cathy), to the gardener, Jim the security guard and Lord and Lady Fortescue who own the hall. 

We also meet Holly's mother, and something that has been source of misery for both of them, is slowly sorted out during the story, with a storyline I wouldn't have necessarily guessed but definitely held me interest.

Wickham Hall was a very easy to read, and high enjoyable story. There were moments that had me laughing out loud (one particular euphemism for sex comes to mind), and others that just had me smiling regardless.  A brilliant book to start your reading with in 2016, I just can't wait for more, from the "queen of the serialised novel". 

Thank you so much to Cathy Bramley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion. 

Happy Publication day to Cathy Bramley, Wickham Hall is out now. 

Guest Post - What Cathy Bramley wants in her stocking this year! - Blog Tour

Having read Conditional Love a few years ago, when it was a previously self-published book (and loved it), I was delighted when Transworld got in touch with me to be a part of this blog tour for the newly published paperback version of Conditional Love, for which Cathy Bramley has supplied this lovely guest post.

Santa Baby, Slip A Sable Under The Tree…

Now not everyone may share this feeling, but I love going shopping at Christmas. My usual routine is to do as much online shopping as I can and then enjoy myself mooching round the shops for the few final bits and pieces. It’s usually at this point that I realise what I should have put on my own Christmas list and surreptitious try and edit the list I’ve already given to my husband without him noticing. I’m totally rubbish at knowing what I want myself until I see it! 

So in the spirit of being more organised this Christmas, here’s what I’d like to find in my stocking this year… 

James McAvoy, Daniel Craig, Jude Law… Just kidding! They’d never all fit, obviously. 

And if I can’t have any of them, here’s my more realistic list… 

• A Fitbit. I’m sure owning a Fitbit will make me walk around loads just to watch my daily steps clock up. 
• Some new wellies. The last ones I bought are blue and white striped and my dog-walking buddy says they hurt his eyes early in the morning. 
• Cath Kidston mugs. I love her brightly coloured mugs and drinking coffee from one of those on a dark winter’s morning always starts my day with a smile. 
• A bookcase. Not likely to fit in my stocking, or even under the tree, but I could really do with a new bookcase. This year not only have I had three paperbacks published, but I have received some amazing books to review and I can’t bear to part with any of them. 
• And lastly – more books of course! Because you can never, ever have too many books!

I must say I'm with you Cathy, can I also have a selection box of dreamy men in my stocking this year please? Thank you so much for this lovely post. 

About Cathy Bramley

Cathy Bramley started out in the world of corporate marketing (working on high-powered projects such as testing the firing range of SuperSoaker water guns and perfecting the weeing action of Tiny Tears dolls), before she setup her own marketing agency in 1995. Nowadays Cathy lives in a Nottinghamshire village with her husband, two daughters and a dog called Pearl. 

You can find her at: www.cathybramley.co.uk or on twitter @CathyBramley 

Conditional Love

Amazon UK

What surprises might life have in store for you?

A takeaway, TV and tea with two sugars is about as exciting as it gets for thirty-something Sophie Stone. Sophie’s life is safe and predictable, which is just the way she likes it, thank you very much.

But when a mysterious benefactor leaves her an inheritance, Sophie has to accept that change is afoot. There is one big catch: in order to inherit, Sophie must agree to meet the father she has never seen.

Saying ‘yes’ means the chance to build her own dream home, but she’ll also have to face the past and hear some uncomfortable truths…

With interference from an evil boss, warring parents, an unreliable boyfriend and an architect who puts his foot in it every time he opens his mouth, will Sophie be able to build a future on her own terms - and maybe even find love along the way?

And don't forget to check out the rest of the blog tour!

Book Review - Appleby Farm by Cathy Bramley

Amazon UK

Title: Appleby Farm

Author: Cathy Bramley

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Corgi

Publication Date: 13th August 2015 

Rating: 5 Stars

Freya Moorcroft has wild red hair, mischievous green eyes, a warm smile and a heart of gold. She’s been happy working at the café round the corner from Ivy Lane allotments and her romance with her new boyfriend is going well, she thinks, but a part of her still misses the beautiful rolling hills of her Cumbrian childhood home: Appleby Farm.

Then a phone call out of the blue and a desperate plea for help change everything…

The farm is in financial trouble, and it’s taking its toll on the aunt and uncle who raised Freya. Heading home to lend a hand, Freya quickly learns that things are worse than she first thought. As she summons up all her creativity and determination to turn things around, Freya is surprised as her own dreams for the future begin to take shape.

Love makes the world go round, according to Freya. Not money. But will saving Appleby Farm and following her heart come at a price?

Appleby Farm was originally released as 4 separate parts in ebook format, however I decided I wanted to hold off so I could it read it all in one go. I prayed that it would be released as a fully combined book, and my wishes were granted. And I am so glad I had my eye on this release as its a fantastic book, it is heart warming and utterly lovely. 

Freya has always had itchy feet, and moved from job to job at fairly regular intervals. When we meet her she is working in a cafe near the Ivy Lane allotments (featured in Cathy Bramleys previous book Ivy Lane, and this does feature some recurring characters), and she seems happy enough. Until Freya receives a phone call from her Aunt Sue, informing her, that her uncle has had an accident. 

Freya races up to the Lake District, and is reminded of how beautiful her childhood home Appleby Farm is, and just how much work it is. She decides to help her aunt and uncle to try and turn the farm's fortunes around. 

There is a great feeling about of trying to triumph over adversity, and saving a failing farm from ruin and developers. It was fascinating to hear about modern farming practices, and the ideas Freya has for saving Appleby Farm, and trying to ensure her relatives can retire too, are innovative and I found myself willing Freya to succeed. 

Freya's love life is present in places, and the early scenes with Charlie and Ollie are loveable, and I found myself hoping they would be together forever. Until Freya returns to Appleby Farm, and sees her childhood best friend is still working on the farm next door...

I can understand why this was released in four parts, as the book is separated into four very distinctive sections, each with a different focus in the journey.

I loved watching Freya slowly grow in cofidence at the farm and start to have belief that her plans will work. She makes new friends, both animal and human, and also attempts to mend some of her own cracked family relationships. 

This was a wonderful book to read at a weekend, and made me long to live a simpler life myself, and to get together with the great outdoors. There are even a whole bunch of recipes at the back of the book, for added content. 

This is a brilliant story, which left me smiling, and I can't wait for Cathy Bramley's next combined book release in January, Wickham Hall.